To My Brother On His Entering The Navy. Poem by Susan Evance

AH! how Imagination's charms
Deceive the youthful ardent mind!
You choose a life of wild alarms,
And pleasure there expect to find.

But through the bustling tumults strange,
That mark the wandering Sailor's lot,
There dwell in each eventful change,
A thousand dangers you've forgot.

Ah! is there not the constant fear
That ev'ry wind that sweeps the wave
Will bring some mighty tempest near,
And whelm its victims in the grave?

How many youthful hopes elate
Lie cold and buried in the deep,
Of those, whose melancholy fate
Bids sisters- brothers- parents- weep!

And then the battle's dreadful strife-
The gashing sword- the cannon's play-
Which, if it chance to spare the life,
Oft shattering tears the limbs away.

And there are perils greater still,
More to be dreaded yet than these;
Which, sad with contemplating ill,
With aching heart Affection sees,

The vessel lost- by skilful force
The Seaman oft escapes the wave;
The ball may take another course-
But virtue- oh! how hard to save

Dear William! when I saw you stand
Prepar'd- and ready to depart, -
When silently I press'd your hand,
What mournful feelings swell'd my heart!

That innocently playful smile,
Those eyes with fond Affection fraught-
O should they change to looks of guile! -
I cannot bear the dreadful thought.

The dangers of the roaring sea,
What are they, when compar'd with those
Which threaten Truth and Piety,
And sacred Virtue's bless'd repose!

Oh gracious Heaven! in mercy hear,
With tears implor'd, my earnest pray'rs,
And guard the Friend, the Brother dear,
From life's deceitful tempting snares.

In ev'ry change, whate'er betide,
May Virtue, his companion still,
Each hope, pursuit, idea guide,
And ev'ry station greatly fill.

And soon, with feelings nobly tried,
Improv'd in ev'ry youthful grace,
May he return, our joy and pride,
And fill Affection's fond embrace.